Now, he is being tipped by many to make his full England debut during next month’s two-match ODI series against Ireland.

“Like Haseeb Hameed, there’s always some surprise at a player’s development when the transition’s that quick,” said Giles.

“But I think we all knew, myself, Glen Chapple and Mark Chilton, that he had some really good raw ability. He hits the ball harder than almost anyone I’ve seen. He’s a modern 360 scorer. But, apart from that, he has a really good cricket brain.

“There’s a danger with people who play in that mould that others can think they are just dumb hitters. He’s certainly not that.

“I think he showed when he moved into four-day cricket he could pace an innings and play to circumstances and conditions.

“He’s mature in the sense that he took to it quickly, even going to stand at first slip and being prepared to offer Steven Croft advice. That takes a lot of maturity and guts.